A sudden illness, injury, or surgery can change daily life in an instant. Whether it’s due to a stroke, brain or spinal cord injury, amputation, fall, car accident, neurological condition, or another health event, rehabilitation can help you regain strength, independence, and confidence.
Your care may include:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech-language therapy
Respiratory therapy
Or a combination of all
What happens next?
Choosing the right rehabilitation care can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already dealing with so much. Understanding your insurance coverage, knowing what level of care you need, and comparing different facilities isn’t always straightforward. We’re here to help make the process easier—so you can focus on recovery.
At every stage of recovery, your needs may change—and your care should be able to change with you. We offer multiple levels of rehabilitation in one place, making it easier for you to get the right support at the right time.
As you progress, you can move between levels of care seamlessly, without disrupting your therapy or your relationships with your care team. This means less stress for you and your family—and more focus on what matters most: your recovery.
If you need help
Our compassionate experts are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and direct you or your loved one to the level of care that is most appropriate for your situation.
At HealthSource Saginaw’s Beach Neighborhood, you’ll receive focused, intensive inpatient rehabilitation in a supportive environment designed to help you regain strength and independence after a serious illness, injury, or surgery—such as stroke, brain or spinal cord injury, amputation, or other conditions that affect your ability to function day to day.
Our goal is simple: to help you get back to living your life as fully and independently as possible. Every step of the way, your care team works closely with you and your family—providing guidance, encouragement, and the tools you need to succeed.
During your stay, you can expect:
Regular visits from rehabilitation and medical physicians who oversee your care
24/7 support from specially trained rehabilitation nurses
A personalized therapy plan, including at least three hours of therapy each day, tailored to your needs (physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy)
Support from a full care team, including a clinical dietitian and social worker
Weekly team meetings to review your progress and adjust your care plan
A home evaluation to help you prepare for a safe return home
To help you build confidence and independence, you may also practice daily activities by staying in our Beach House, a specialized home-like mini apartment or participate in supervised community outings.
Weekly Team Care Conference
Weekly Individualized Care Team Meetings
Your care is guided by a physician who specializes in rehabilitation (physiatrist) and supported by a dedicated team focused on your recovery. This team includes rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, clinical dietitians, and social workers.
Each week, your care team meets to review your progress, share updates, and adjust your plan as needed. You and your family are an important part of this process—your goals, preferences, and progress help shape your personalized care plan.
Together, we create a plan that is tailored to your unique needs and focused on helping you achieve the highest level of independence possible.
Home Room
Home Room: Preparing for Your Return Home
Before you leave rehabilitation, we want you to feel confident and ready for the next step. That’s why we offer our Beach House “home room,” a comfortable, apartment-style space where you and your family can practice everyday activities in a real-life setting.
In this space—complete with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom—you’ll have the opportunity to safely test your level of independence and build confidence in your daily routines.
We also encourage family members to stay overnight to better understand what life at home may look like and how they can support you. Throughout this experience, our team remains available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance.
This hands-on practice helps ensure you, your family, and your care team feel prepared—so you can return home safely, with the right skills, support, and equipment in place.
Home Evaluations: Planning for a Safe Return Home Practicing your skills in rehabilitation is important—but we also want to make sure you feel confident and safe in your own home environment.
That’s why we offer home evaluations, either in person or virtually depending on your location. During this process, our physical and occupational therapists take a close look at your home to identify anything that could make daily activities more difficult—such as stairs, narrow spaces, or bathroom setup.
We then work with you and your family to recommend equipment, simple modifications, and strategies to improve safety and make your home as functional and accessible as possible.
By planning ahead together, we can help ensure a smoother, safer transition home—so you feel prepared, supported, and confident in your return to everyday life.
Community Re-Entry: Getting Back to Everyday Life As you prepare to return home, we help you take the next step—building confidence in real-world situations you’ll encounter in your daily life.
Through guided practice, you’ll work through common activities such as going out to eat, visiting community spaces, attending places of worship, or using public restrooms. Along the way, we help you identify potential challenges and develop practical strategies to navigate them safely and independently.
In some cases, you may participate in a supervised outing, giving you the opportunity to practice these skills in a real community setting with the support of your care team.
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, prepared, and confident returning to the activities and routines that matter most to you.
Our skilled and licensed professionals in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology provide outpatient services to patients after stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic surgery, and other illnesses or injuries.
For Appointments
Call (989) 790-7800 for assistance with scheduling an appointment for:
At HealthSource Saginaw, our therapy gym and physical therapy staff are second to none in the region. Our team is seasoned and successful, and our program is highly sought after as a training ground for students because of our outcome-oriented, patient-focused care.
Physical therapy services are part of a multi-disciplinary approach that also includes case management, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, social work, speech-language pathology, and therapeutic recreation.
Physical therapy services are offered in our acute inpatient rehabilitation unit, to residents receiving skilled rehabilitation or extended care in the Long-Term Care Center, and on an outpatient basis.
What is a Physical Therapist?
HealthSource physical therapists hold master’s or doctorate degrees in physical therapy (PT). A vital part of the therapy team, they:
Perform initial evaluations
Set appropriate physical and functional goals
Monitor progress toward goals
Do routine reassessments and patient discharges
Assisting in the delivery of physical therapy are the physical therapist assistants (PTA). PTAs have an associate’s degree from accredited colleges and universities. Together the PT/PTA team develops exercise and manual strategies to improve daily living.
What We Do For Patients
The team at HealthSource is specially trained in neurological physical therapy. This means we specialize in the treatment of:
Stroke
Head injury
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis
Cerebral palsy
Parkinson’s disease
Spinal cord injury
Vestibular disorders (vertigo or dizziness)
Headaches
We also offer a complete range of services for orthopedic issues:
Back pain
Joint replacement
Amputation
Joint pain including shoulders, hips, and knees
Sports injuries
How We Deliver Services
The PT team evaluates and diagnoses strength, range of motion, balance, and pain disorders. We provide therapy designed specifically for patients to increase functional skills based on results of an evaluation. PT services use state-of-the-art equipment and current evidence-based practices.
HealthSource offers technological breakthroughs such as the NESS® L300™, which helps patients with foot drop. Click here to determine if you are a candidate for this technology.
We also educate patients and family members to:
Understand identified deficits
Implement therapeutic strategies or compensation techniques
At HealthSource Saginaw, our therapy facilities and occupational therapy staff are second to none in the region. Our team is seasoned and successful, and our program is highly sought after as a training ground for students because of our outcome-oriented, patient-focused care.
Occupational therapy services are part of a multi-disciplinary approach that also includes case management, neuropsychology, physical therapy, social work, speech-language pathology, and therapeutic recreation.
Occupational therapy services are offered in our acute inpatient rehabilitation unit, to residents receiving skilled rehabilitation or extended care in the Long-Term Care Center, and on an outpatient basis.
What is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists are rehabilitation professionals who work with patients to restore or improve physical abilities, adapt to surroundings, and to teach new skills. Our goal is to have each patient achieve his or her best physical and/or mental function for daily life tasks.
Occupational therapists now enter their field with a master’s degree, while occupational therapy assistants have an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
What We Do For Patients
We evaluate and treat people who are experiencing difficulty in the following areas:
Upper extremity range of motion and strength
Hand function
Gross and fine motor coordination
Activity tolerance
Sitting and standing balance during functional tasks
Basic self care skills (eating, dressing)
Instrumental activities of daily living (meal prep, homemaking)
Safety in the home
We design and provide therapy to increase functional skills based on results of an evaluation. HealthSource occupational therapists use state-of-the-art equipment such as the Tailwind and are certified to evaluate and treat with the Ness® H200™ hand recovery system and the Saebo arm training program for stroke survivors. Click here if you think you are a candidate for these technologies.
Contact us for information on occupational therapy
At HealthSource Saginaw, our therapy facilities and staff are second to none in the region. Our team is seasoned and successful, and our program is highly sought after as a training ground for students because of our outcome-oriented, patient-focused care.
Speech-language pathology (SLP) and cognitive retraining services are part of a multi-disciplinary approach that also includes case management, neuropsychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and therapeutic recreation.
Speech-language pathology and cognitive retraining services are offered in our acute inpatient rehabilitation unit, to residents receiving skilled rehabilitation or extended care in the Long-Term Care Center, and on an outpatient basis.
What is a Speech/Language Pathologist?
Contrary to our name, we help not only with talking but also with chewing and swallowing, memory, judgement, attention and concentration, reading and writing. It’s the activities of every day life that most of us take for granted.
What We Do For Patients
The SLP staff at HealthSource Saginaw evaluates and diagnoses communication, cognition, and swallowing deficits caused by head injury, stroke, tumor, or disease. Some of the most common disorders include:
Aphasia — an impairment in language affecting comprehension (listening, reading) or expression (thinking of and using words, gestures, or writing)
Apraxia of speech — an impairment of muscle use affecting voluntary control, initiation, and coordination of movement
Cognition — the mental process by which knowledge is acquired. Language and cognition are closely linked in all forms of communication. Areas of difficulty may include orientation, attention, perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving
Dysarthria — an impairment in muscle strength, sensation, and speed as evident by facial droop, drooling, slurred, or distorted speech
Dysphagia — difficulty swallowing, which involves chewing and moving food or liquid through the mouth to the stomach. Signs of difficulty include holding food in the mouth, coughing, changes in vocal quality, or the feeling that something is stuck
Voice fluency— a variety of components including pitch, volume, quality, intonation or inflection, resonance, and stuttering
We design and provide therapy to increase functional skills based on results of an evaluation. SLP services use state-of-the-art equipment and current techniques in the following areas:
Cognitive retraining emphasizing memory strategy education and training, attention building programs, computer-assisted visual processing training, and computer-simulated driving experience
Language therapy to address communication limitations caused by aphasia
Speech therapy to address articulation, voice, and fluency
Swallowing therapy using facial e-stim, VitalStim therapy, deep pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation (DPNS) techniques, diet modification, and eating compensation strategies
We also educate patients and family members to understand deficits and implement therapeutic strategies or compensation techniques.
Contact us for information on speech-language pathology
If you are a physician or family member concerned about an individual’s ability to safely operate an automobile, HealthSource Saginaw offers a 45-75 minute evaluation program designed to evaluate and treat for cognitive communication deficits and pre-driving skills (everything but the road driving test). The program provides insight into a patient’s functional abilities related to:
Communication (understanding and expression)
Verbal fluency
Attention processing
Visual-spatial processing
Visual-reaction timing
Auditory reaction timing
Memory for biographical, immediate, recent, and long-term information
Orientation, problem solving, foresight, and planning
The evaluation also includes pre-driving skills simulation such as:
Safety awareness and attention
Awareness of cause/effect
Brake reaction timing
Eye/hand coordination
Head/neck flexibility/movement
Leg/foot movement
Control in varying situations or in presence of unexpected hazards
For more information, contact the Speech Language Pathology Department at (989) 790-7816.
This test requires a physician order faxed to (989) 790-7866. The order should read: “Evaluate and treat for cognitive communication deficits and pre-driving skills” and must include the patient’s medical diagnosis related to neurological function, a demographics sheet, and history and physical.
HealthSource will contact the patient to schedule day/time of appointment.
Physicians will receive an evaluation report summary and recommendations via fax within 7 days of evaluation.
LSVT Big® and LSVT Loud®
Parkinson’s BIG Program
Parkinson’s LSVT LOUD Program
Healthsource Saginaw therapists use the LSVT® programs to help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders through an intensive, amplitude-based exercise program to show improvements in:
Walking
Balance
Trunk rotation
Multitasking
Voice and speech
Patients will use bigger movements automatically in everyday living, show improved articulation, speech intelligibility, and will see long-term results while providing systematic relief and improved function.
For more information, call (989) 790-7800.
Interactive Metronome Therapy Program
Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome is an evidence-based assessment and training tool that measures and improves neurotiming, which is the synchronization of neural impulses within the brain. Interactive Metronome improves cognitive-communication, sensory, and motor performance for the following:
Attention
Processing speed
Working memory
Executive function
Self-regulation
Expressive and receptive language
Reading comprehension
Mathematics
Upper extremity function
Motor coordination
Athletic performance
The Interactive Metronome program at HealthSource Saginaw can help people with:
Parkinson’s
Traumatic brain injury
Cerebral palsy
Stroke
ADHD
Dyslexia
Autism spectrum disorders
Enhanced sports performance
For more information, call the Speech Language Pathology Department at (989) 790-7816.
SaeboReach and SaeboFlex Arm Training Programs
Saebo Technology
The SaeboReach and SaeboFlex are dynamic orthotic devices that assist with hand opening and reaching for patients with limited upper extremity function. Both allow patients to practice functional arm use even when active movement is limited.
SaeboFlex: Focuses on grasp and release of the hand
SaeboReach: Adds elbow extension support for reaching tasks (for more involved weakness)
The occupational therapist evaluates if the patient meets criteria for dynamic orthotic training:
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand movement
Ability to partially grasp or initiate movement
Muscle tone/spasticity
Functional limitations in activities of daily living
The orthosis is custom-fitted to the patient’s arm/hand.
Spring-assisted components help the patient:
Open the hand after grasping
(SaeboReach) Assist with elbow extension
The occupational therapist guides high-repetition functional tasks focusing is on repetition to drive neuroplasticity, such as:
Reaching for objects
Grasping items (cups, balls, household items)
Releasing objects into containers
As strength and control improve, the goal is carryover to unassisted movement:
Resistance/support is adjusted
Patient gradually relies less on the device
Saebo programs are used for neurological upper extremity impairments, including:
The H200 is a wearable electrical stimulation device that helps people open and close their hand when they have weakness or paralysis. The H200 uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) to activate the nerves and muscles in the forearm and hand.
An occupational therapist uses the H200 as part of functional training, not just passive movement.
The orthosis (brace) is placed on the patient’s forearm and hand
Electrodes are positioned to stimulate the correct muscles
The OT adjusts intensity so it produces a controlled hand opening and closing
The occupational therapist programs the device to help the patient:
Improve grasp and release function
Increase independence in activities of daily living
Reduce spasticity
Maintain or improve range of motion
Promote neuroplasticity and recovery
The occupational therapist then practices real-life activities, such as:
Picking up a cup
Holding utensils
Releasing objects on command
Hygiene or grooming tasks
The H200 is typically used for upper extremity weakness or paralysis due to neurological conditions, including:
Stroke (CVA)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury (especially incomplete, C5–C7)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Cerebral palsy (in some cases)
Other central nervous system disorders affecting hand function
Ness® L300™ Foot Drop System
Ness® L300™ Foot Drop System
The L300 is a wearable functional electrical stimulation (FES) device that helps lift the foot during walking. It stimulates the peroneal nerve, causing the ankle to dorsiflex (lift up) so the foot clears the ground.
A physical therapist uses the L300 primarily for gait training and mobility retraining.
A cuff is placed just below the knee
Electrodes are positioned to activate the dorsiflexor muscles
A gait sensor (often in the shoe or cuff) detects when the patient steps
The device is timed to lift the foot during the swing phase of gait
The physical therapist uses the device while the patient practices walking to:
Improve gait speed, efficiency, and patterns
Increase safety and reduce fall risk
Improve foot clearance during walking
Promote normalized gait patterns
Increase independence in mobility
The physical therapist integrates real-world activities:
Walking on different surfaces
Turning and changing directions
Stair training
Community mobility (ramps, uneven ground)
Encourages active participation instead of compensation
The L300 is used for foot drop caused by neurological conditions, including:
Stroke (CVA)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Incomplete spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Cerebral palsy
Peripheral nerve injury (select cases)
VitalStim Therapy
VitalStim Therapy
VitalStim is a form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) used to help improve swallowing function (dysphagia).It delivers small electrical impulses to the muscles in the throat (anterior neck) to help them contract during swallowing.
A speech language pathologist uses VitalStim as part of active swallowing therapy, not just passive stimulation.
Small electrodes are placed on the front of the neck
The speech language pathologist adjusts the stimulation level to create a visible or palpable muscle contraction
The patient remains awake and actively participating
The goal for Vital Stimulation is to:
Improve swallow strength and coordination
Reduce risk of aspiration (food/liquid entering airway)
Advance diet texture safely
Improve nutrition and hydration
Increase independence with eating and drinking
VitalStim is used for dysphagia (swallowing disorders) due to neurological or medical conditions, including:
Stroke (CVA)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Head and neck cancer (post-surgery or radiation)
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – in some cases
Post-extubation or general deconditioning-related dysphagia
Certified Lymphedema Therapy
Certified Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema therapy is a specialized treatment approach used to reduce swelling (edema) and improve function when the lymphatic system is impaired. It typically follows Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), completed by a trained occupational therapist. Lymphedema therapy is a multi-component, hands-on and functional intervention, not just compression alone.
The occupational therapist evaluates:
Location and severity of swelling
Skin condition and tissue texture
Range of motion and functional limitations
Impact on dressing, bathing, work tasks
Measurements (circumference or volume) are often taken to track progress prior to initiating manual lymphatic drainage
A gentle, specialized massage technique
Directs lymph fluid toward healthy drainage pathways and moves fluid out of congested areas to reduce swelling
Compression therapy is then used to maintain and further reduce swelling, including:
Compression bandaging (short-stretch wraps)
Compression garments (sleeves, stockings)
The occupational therapist teaches proper application, wear schedule, and care
The occupational therapist prescribes specific, low-impact exercises and education to:
Promote lymph flow
Improve mobility and strength
Enhance circulation
Education on keeping skin clean and moisturized
Monitoring for signs of infection (cellulitis)
Avoiding injury to the affected area
Promote long-term self-management
Skin integrity is critical in lymphedema management.
Lymphedema therapy is used for primary and secondary lymphedema, including:
Cancer-related lymphedema
Breast cancer (upper extremity)
Gynecological or prostate cancers (lower extremity)
Primary (congenital) lymphedema
Post-surgical lymph node removal
Radiation-related swelling
Chronic venous insufficiency (phlebolymphedema)
Trauma or infection-related swelling
Dry Needling
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique where a physical therapist uses thin, sterile needles to target trigger points (tight knots in muscles) and irritated tissue. It is used to reduce pain and muscle tension and improve movement.
Dry needling is used as part of a larger treatment plan, not by itself.
The physical therapist identifies:
Trigger points
Tight or overactive muscles
Movement limitations
Determines which muscles are contributing to pain or dysfunction
A small, thin needle is inserted into the targeted muscle
The physical therapist may:
Leave the needle in place briefly
Use a technique to elicit a local twitch response (muscle contraction)
The goal is to release tension and reset the muscle, decreasing;
Reduce pain and muscle tightness
Improve range of motion
Restore normal muscle activation
Improve movement quality
Support faster return to function and activity
Dry needling is used for musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction, including:
Myofascial pain syndrome
Neck and back pain
Shoulder pain (e.g., rotator cuff issues)
Tendonitis or tendinopathy
Hip and knee pain
Plantar fasciitis
Headaches (tension-type, cervicogenic)
Sports injuries
Postural dysfunction
Certified Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise
Certified Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise
Certified Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise
Aquatic therapy is the use of water-based exercises in a therapeutic pool to improve strength, mobility, balance, and function. The properties of water (buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure) make movement easier, safer, and less painful during recovery.
Aquatic therapy is used as part of a progressive rehab plan, often early in recovery or when land-based therapy is limited.
Water depth and environment are chosen based on goals:
Deeper water = less weight-bearing
Shallower water = more strengthening and functional work
Patients begin moving earlier than they might on land.
Exercises include:
Gentle range of motion
Assisted walking
Light functional movements
Buoyancy reduces joint stress, allowing earlier participation while maximizing natural resistance in all directions. Therapy focuses on proper mechanics without compensation to target the following goals:
Reduce pain during movement
Improve range of motion
Restore strength safely
Improve gait and functional mobility
Support faster return to sport or daily activity
Progression to land-based therapy
As strength and tolerance improve:
Resistance is increased (faster movement, equipment)
Water depth is decreased
Transition back to full-weight-bearing land activities.
Aquatic therapy is ideal for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical recovery, including:
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise (PCES) Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise (PCES) Pelvic Floor Therapy
PCES-based pelvic floor therapy is a specialized approach where a physical therapist uses targeted exercises, breathing strategies, and movement retraining to restore core and pelvic floor function during and after pregnancy. It focuses on the entire pressure system: diaphragm, core (abdominals), and pelvic floor. This is an active, education-heavy, functional approach—not just isolated pelvic floor exercises.
The physical therapist evaluates:
Pelvic floor strength, coordination, and endurance
Core function (including diastasis recti)
Breathing patterns
Posture and alignment
Movement patterns (squat, lift, carry)
PCES pelvic floor therapy is used for pregnancy and postpartum-related dysfunction, including:
Urinary incontinence (leakage)
Postpartum core weakness
Diastasis recti
Pelvic organ prolapse (mild–moderate)
Pelvic pain (prenatal or postpartum)
Low back or SI joint pain
Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
C-section or perineal scar dysfunction
Return-to-running or fitness concerns postpartum
Why it works beyond postpartum patients
As people age, they often develop:
Pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction
Core weakness
Poor pressure management
Postural changes
PCES-informed pelvic floor therapy can help with:
Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed)
Fecal incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Chronic low back pain
Balance issues (linked to core weakness)
Deconditioning and reduced functional strength
Chronic constipation
Postural dysfunction (kyphosis, rib flare, etc.)
Pain with movement or daily activities
Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)
Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)
BITS is an interactive rehabilitation system that uses a large touchscreen, visual targets, and cognitive exercises to improve physical, visual, and cognitive performance. It combines motor, cognitive, and visual training in one system, making it ideal for interdisciplinary rehab. BITS is used as part of a coordinated, interdisciplinary plan of care, with each discipline targeting specific deficits while reinforcing shared goals.
Each discipline evaluates relevant areas:
Physical therapy: balance, coordination, reaction time, endurance
